Why is iron important for children?

Iron is a nutrient that's essential to your child's growth and development. Iron helps move oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and helps muscles store and use oxygen. If your child's diet lacks iron, he or she might develop a condition called iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency in children can occur at many levels, from depleted iron stores to anemia — a condition in which blood lacks adequate healthy red blood cells. Untreated iron deficiency can affect a child's growth and development.

How much iron do children need?

Babies are born with iron stored in their bodies, but a steady amount of additional iron is needed to fuel a child's rapid growth and development. Here's a guide to iron needs at different ages:

Age group

Recommended amount of iron a day

7 - 12 months

11 mg

1 - 3 years

7 mg

4 - 8 years

10 mg

9 - 13 years

8 mg

14 - 18 years, girls

15 mg

14 - 18 years, boys

11 mg

What are the risk factors for iron deficiency in children?

Infants and children at highest risk of iron deficiency include:

Babies who are born prematurely — more than three weeks before their due date — or have a low birth weight

Babies who drink cow's milk or goat's milk before age 1

Breast-fed babies who aren't given complementary foods containing iron after age 6 months

Babies who drink formula that isn't fortified with iron

Children ages 1 to 5 who drink more than 24 ounces (710 milliliters) of cow's milk, goat's milk or soy milk a day

Children who have certain health conditions, such as chronic infections or restricted diets

Children ages 1 to 5 who have been exposed to lead

Adolescent girls also are at higher risk of iron deficiency because their bodies lose iron during menstruation.

What are the signs and symptoms of iron deficiency in children?

Too little iron can impair your child's ability to function. However, most signs and symptoms of iron deficiency in children don't appear until iron deficiency anemia occurs. If your child has risk factors for iron deficiency, talk to his or her doctor.

Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia might include:

Pale skin

Fatigue

Slowed growth and development

Poor appetite

Abnormally rapid breathing

Behavioral problems

Frequent infections

Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt, paint or starch

How can iron deficiency in children be prevented?

If you're feeding your baby iron-fortified formula, he or she is likely getting the recommended amount of iron. If you're breast-feeding your baby, follow these supplementation recommendations:

Full-term infants. Start giving your baby an iron supplement at age 4 months. Continue giving your baby the supplement until he or she is eating two or more servings a day of iron-rich foods, such as fortified cereal or pureed meat. If you breast-feed and give your baby fortified formula and the majority of your baby's feedings are from formula, stop giving your baby the supplement.

Premature infants. Start giving your baby an iron supplement at age 2 weeks. Continue giving your baby the supplement until age 1. If you breast-feed and give your baby fortified formula and the majority of your baby's feedings are from formula, stop giving your baby the supplement.

Should I have my child screened for iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are typically diagnosed through blood tests. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants be tested for iron deficiency anemia starting between ages 9 months and 12 months and, for those who have risk factors for iron deficiency, again at later ages. Depending on the screening results, your child's doctor might recommend an oral iron supplement or a daily multivitamin or further testing.

Iron deficiency in children can be prevented. To keep your child's growth and development on track, offer iron-rich foods at meals and snacks and talk to your child's doctor about the need for screenings and iron supplements.